---
title: "Twinings: Britain’s Oldest Tea Company Since 1706"
description: "Twinings sources organic matcha from family farms in Kagoshima and Shizuoka, with grassy notes and a subtle savory finish."
image: "https://best-matcha.com/wp-content/uploads/3614-twinings-youtube-logo.webp"
---
# Twinings: Britain’s Oldest Tea Company Since 1706

> Twinings sources organic matcha from family farms in Kagoshima and Shizuoka, with grassy notes and a subtle savory finish.

Source: https://best-matcha.com/shop/twinings
Created: 2025-09-30T23:42:16+00:00
Modified: 2026-08-05T13:45:28+00:00
Author: Emilie Schol

**Twinings** stands as Britain’s oldest tea company, with a heritage stretching back to 1706 when Thomas Twining opened his doors on London’s Strand. For over three centuries, this family-run enterprise has remained at the same address—holding the distinction of being London’s longest-standing ratepayer and maintaining the world’s oldest continually-used company logo.

### A Legacy Built on Quality and Innovation

Thomas Twining revolutionized tea culture in England by making premium tea accessible beyond the elite. His vision transformed tea from an expensive luxury into Britain’s national beverage—a shift cemented when his grandson Richard successfully lobbied Prime Minister William Pitt to slash tea taxes from 119% to 12.5% in 1784. This bold move democratized tea drinking and established Twinings as a household name.

The company earned its first Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria in 1837 and has supplied every successive British monarch since. This royal endorsement speaks to *unwavering quality standards* maintained across ten generations of the Twining family.

### Masterblending Expertise Meets Modern Matcha

Twinings pioneered the art of tea blending in the 18th century, creating the legendary **Earl Grey** in 1831 for Prime Minister Charles Grey II. Today, that same blending mastery extends to their matcha offerings, combining traditional Japanese cultivation methods with centuries of British tea expertise.

The brand’s matcha products reflect this dual heritage:

- Premium ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from established Japanese tea gardens

- Carefully curated starter kits designed for both beginners and enthusiasts

- Blends that honor authentic matcha traditions while meeting contemporary tastes

### Commitment to Ethical Sourcing

Since 1997, **Twinings** has been a founding member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, working to improve conditions on tea estates globally. Their Sourced with Care programme, launched in 2016, supports tea-growing communities through *fair labor practices* and environmental stewardship. This commitment ensures every cup contributes to sustainable tea production.

#### Why Twinings Matters for Matcha Lovers

When you choose Twinings matcha, you’re selecting a brand that has spent 318 years perfecting the tea experience. Their matcha products bring together Japanese authenticity and British refinement—backed by royal approval, ethical sourcing practices, and an unmatched understanding of what makes exceptional tea. For those exploring matcha’s vibrant world, Twinings offers a trusted entry point grounded in centuries of tea wisdom.

---

## Site identity

- Organization: Best Matcha (Emilie Schol)
- Description: Best Matcha is a specialized marketplace and educational platform for comparing Japanese matcha brands, products, grades, prices, and preparation guidance. It connects tea enthusiasts with producers and provides source-conscious guides for making informed choices.
- Website: https://best-matcha.com


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